What the Orlando Shooting Means for America and Its People
Start writing a post
Politics

What the Orlando Shooting Means for America and Its People

What we can take away from this massacre.

2
What the Orlando Shooting Means for America and Its People
Unsplash

Earlier on this Sunday morning, a man by the name of Omar Mateen, 29, from Port St. Lucie Florida, opened fire at a night club called the Pulse in Orlando, Florida. This night club is known for being a gay club, which is what I believe to be one of the main reasons the shooter chose the venue.

This shooting has so far killed 50 people and ruined the lives of hundreds more. Not only did this shooting affect the lives of Orlando dwellers, but also all Americans. Because when Omar decided to take the lives of these people, he called 911 and pledged his allegiance to ISIS. This changes the whole tone of this massacre. Not only was he targeting one group, he was also targeting every American also.

The media will mainly focus on the fact that this was an ISIS attack. But I want to focus on what this also means for the smaller groups of people affected.

One of these groups affected was the gay community. Gay bars and night clubs are an opportunity for these people to openly be themselves. To be a majority in the minority. And now that someone has done such an atrocious thing to these people's safe place, it puts fear into their hearts. What if this happened at a bar you went to? In your place to go for fun? To relax? It makes me fear for my friends and family who are gay. What if someone targets them just because of who they love? This topic has been talked about for YEARS. Why is this still an issue?

Another group that will be affected is those who are Afghani descent. This attack will make some people generalize and decide that every person from the Middle East is related to ISIS, which of course is a brash generalization that is ridiculous. Just because you get bitten by a dog, that doesn't mean that every dog is bad. This also goes for people. Every person is different. It is racist and ridiculous to say that a person from a specific place or of a certain religion is a terrorist. Terrorism is not related to religion. It is related to a disgusting and harmful mindset.

Those who do have mental illness will also be looked at under a microscope. This attacker was ill, and the media will exploit that. Every person with mental illness is different, and every single person should know the warning signs of someone who needs help with their mental illness. America needs to be educated on what to look for and who to call with questions and concerns. This man was seriously disturbed. His father saw that he had anger towards the gay community but did not exploit it. I believe that this man needed an ear to talk to, to not only get him the help he needed but to even get authorities if it was something as concerning as these thought were.

Of course, there's no way to change these events. There's always someone to blame. At this time we shouldn't blame, we should keep these victims and families in our thoughts, and see the signs and warnings in the future. If you hear something weird or concerning that a person says, ask them about it, don't just let it slide. Think of the families. Think of the victims. Think of the future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86165
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52072
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments